R&D Sample Associate

Company Background

Alamance is recognized as a leading manufacturer of aerosol whipped cream, flavored drinks, freeze pops, and bottled water, offering beloved brands like Classic Cream, Fun Pops, Coffee Toppers, Whipt, and Groovy Glacier . We produce, pack and ship private labels based on customer specific needs. An innovative company with proven experience in creating exciting new products that redefine what is possible in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Position Opportunity

Alamance Foods Inc. is seeking a dependable, bilingual, and detail-oriented E-Commerce Shipping R&D Sample Associate to support the accurate and timely fulfillment of e-commerce orders and R&D sample requests.

This hands-on role is responsible for processing orders, selecting and packaging products, preparing shipping documentation, maintaining inventory accuracy, and coordinating shipments to domestic and international recipients. The associate will work closely with R&D, Sales, Quality, Warehouse, Customer Service, and other internal teams to ensure every order and sample is shipped accurately, safely, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate takes ownership of assigned work, follows tasks through to completion, and communicates proactively when an issue could affect an order or delivery. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds throughout the workday and work comfortably in warehouse, cooler, and shipping environments.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

E-Commerce Order Fulfillment

- Review, prioritize, and process incoming e-commerce orders and R&D sample requests.

- Pick products and samples accurately according to order specifications.

- Verify product identity, quantity, packaging, recipient information, and shipping method before releasing each shipment.

- Pack perishable and non-perishable products using appropriate materials and temperature-control requirements.

- Process individual parcel orders as well as larger or multi-package shipments.

- Monitor open orders and take responsibility for completing assigned shipments within established deadlines.

- Identify order discrepancies, unavailable inventory, damaged materials, or address issues and communicate them promptly.

- Support special launches, promotional shipments, and periods of increased order volume.

Shipping and Documentation

- Generate shipping labels and complete required shipment documentation.

- Prepare customs paperwork and supporting documentation for international shipments.

- Use carrier and shipping software to select appropriate shipping services and process packages.

- Coordinate with shipping carriers to support timely and cost-conscious delivery.

- Track shipments and investigate delayed, damaged, returned, or undeliverable packages.

- Maintain organized records of tracking numbers, shipment details, customer information, and delivery status.

- Communicate shipment status and exceptions to the appropriate internal stakeholders.

Packaging, Labeling, and Quality Checks

- Package and label products and samples according to company, customer, carrier, food-safety, and regulatory requirements.

- Complete a final accuracy check before each package is sealed and shipped.

- Confirm that labels are legible, correctly placed, and matched to the correct order.

- Use appropriate insulated packaging, refrigerants, protective materials, and other supplies when required.

- Maintain clean, orderly, and food-safe packing and staging areas.

- Report damaged, mislabeled, expired, or questionable products according to established procedures.

Inventory and Supply Management

- Maintain accurate inventory records for finished products, R&D samples, packaging materials, and shipping supplies.

- Organize the R&D sample cooler and designated e-commerce storage areas so items are clearly identified and accessible.

- Conduct routine inventory checks and communicate replenishment needs before supplies are depleted.

- Rotate inventory appropriately and monitor product dates, condition, and storage requirements.

- Investigate inventory differences and make or request approved corrections.

- Request additional samples or products as needed to maintain appropriate stock levels.

Communication and Cross-Functional Support

- Communicate clearly and professionally in both English and Spanish with coworkers, carriers, customers, and other contacts as needed.

- Partner with R&D, Sales, Quality, Warehouse, Customer Service, and other departments to obtain shipment and product information.

- Serve as a reliable contact for order status, sample availability, tracking information, and shipping questions.

- Proactively notify the appropriate team members when an order may be delayed or cannot be completed as requested.

- Document relevant information so orders can be understood and supported by other team members.

- Provide responsive support while maintaining the confidentiality and accuracy of customer and company information.

Ownership and Continuous Improvement

- Manage daily assignments independently and follow tasks through to completion.

- Take responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of completed work.

- Use checklists, order queues, reports, or other tools to ensure no shipment or request is overlooked.

- Ask appropriate questions when requirements are unclear rather than making unsupported assumptions.

- Acknowledge errors promptly, help correct them, and apply what was learned to prevent recurrence.

- Identify practical opportunities to improve packing accuracy, order flow, inventory organization, and shipping efficiency.

- Assist with additional R&D activities, including pilot plant product work and sanitation, when assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications :

- High school diploma or equivalent.

Related Experience:

- Previous experience in e-commerce fulfillment, shipping, warehousing, inventory control, order processing, or customer service.

- Experience shipping food, temperature-sensitive products, or other perishable items.

- Familiarity with domestic and international parcel shipping.

- Knowledge of customs documentation and carrier requirements.

- Experience using e-commerce platforms, order-management systems, inventory software, or shipping applications.

- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and food-safety expectations.

- Training or qualifications in logistics, supply chain, fulfillment, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills Experience:

- Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively in a workplace environment.

- Ability to read and accurately follow order details, product information, labels, shipping instructions, and written procedures.

- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.

- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive packing and material-handling tasks.

- Comfortable working in warehouse and cooler environments.

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to order accuracy.

- Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and personal accountability.

- Ability to organize competing requests and complete work with limited supervision.

- Clear verbal and written communication skills.

- Basic proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications.

- Ability to learn e-commerce order-management systems, carrier portals, shipping software, label printers, and inventory tools.

- Reliable transportation for travel between company warehouse or facility locations when required.

Travel Requirements : Local

Physical Requirements:

- Standing

- Walking

- Sitting

- Use of hands, fingers

- Reaching with hands and arms

- Climb and balance

- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

- Talk and hear

- Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

- Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

- Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)

- Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.

Employment Eligibility: Alamance Foods Inc. participates in the federal E-Verify program. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States.